Commitment to Research

Research Archive

The Spiral Foundation is committed to conducting research which aims to improve the lives of individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and their families. Our research programs primarily contribute to improved understanding of SPD, assessment development and investigation of efficacy of treatment modalities.

If you have any questions about past or current Spiral Foundation research projects, or are interested in participating in any of the studies detailed below, please contact our Research Assistant Alison Teasdale at research@thespiralfoundation.org and (617) 969-4410 ext. 267. You may also contact our Executive Director, Teresa May-Benson at tmaybenson@thespiralfoundation.org and (617) 969-4410 ext. 240.

The Spiral Foundation has an active research program dedicated to conducting research that supports understanding of sensory integration. On this page you will find summaries and resources on research projects and papers completed by the Spiral Foundation and its staff. It is not meant to be a comprehensive archive of sensory integration literature but a reference for work conducted by the Spiral Foundation and its members.

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$25.00

Clinical Reasoning for Vestibular Dysfunction in Sensory Integration

This live talk will discuss the clinical reasoning behind interpretation of assessment data and determination of why, what, when, and how to treat vestibular dysfunctions such as vestibular hyper-responsivity, gravitational insecurity, and vestibular discrimination problems.

A Personal Perspective on the Art of Sensory Integration Intervention

In this special video occupational therapist and Spiral Foundation co-founder Dr. Jane Koomar discusses her thoughts on the art of sensory integration intervention, discussing topics such as developing therapeutic intentions, joining with children, creating safe spaces for bonding, using language to facilitate children’s performance, holding hope and promoting joy, and creating new stories for children’s lives.

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$65.00

Supporting the Parent-Child Relationship: Working with Children with Sensory Processing Challenges

This webinar will introduce some core principles into different theories and models such as attachment theory, mutual regulation model, and reflective thinking to broaden our understanding of the parent child relationship.

This LiveTalk will discuss the clinical reasoning process behind the assessment and intervention of oral motor and mealtime behaviors in children with sensory processing problems using the comprehensive FOCUS Program approach.

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$25.00

Applying Evidence-Based Practice to Ayres Sensory Integration®

This lecture will introduce participants to core concepts of evidence-based practice and describe how those concepts are applied to clinical practice utilizing Ayres Sensory Integration® theory, assessment and intervention.

Advances in Effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration® Using the Data-Driven Decision Making Model with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

In this LiveTalk Dr. Roseann Schaaf will discuss the results of her ground-breaking randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of Ayres Sensory Integration Intervention® with children with autism and will describe the clinical reasoning model she developed for the study.

May-Benson, T.A., Koomar, J.A., and Teasdale, A. (2009). Incidence of pre-, peri-, and post-natal birth and developmental problems of children with sensory processing disorder and children with autism spectrum disorder. Frontiers of Integrative Neuroscience,3(31).

May-Benson, T. Sensory Processing in Children with ADD and Sensory Integrative Dysfunction: A Comparison with Typical Peers. Poster presented at the Neurobehavioral Rehabilitation Research Center, Fifth Annual Research Colloquium, Boston University, Boston, MA, May 5, 1997.

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Advances in Early Identification of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This LiveTalk will highlight the importance of examining sensory processing as well as social-communication risk factors for early identification of autism and related developmental disorders and will discuss Dr. Baranek's work on the underlying mechanisms, development, and effects on daily activities and social development of the sensory features of autism.

Clinical Reasoning for Addressing Play Skills in Sensory Integration

Advances in Understanding and Treating Play from a Sensory Integrative Perspective in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This talk will present the current understanding of the relationship among sensory processing, praxis and play skills in children with ASD and will discuss intervention strategies to address play deficits in these children.

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$220.00

Essentials of Praxis for Children with Autism

Facilitating praxis, imitation, and play skills in autistic children can be difficult for therapists; this course will present and overview of the key aspects need for effective intervention in these areas.

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Motor Performance, and Praxis: A Primer

Advances in Understanding and Treating Play from a Sensory Integrative Perspective in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This talk will present the current understanding of the relationship among sensory processing, praxis and play skills in children with ASD and will discuss intervention strategies to address play deficits in these children.

This LiveTalk will discuss the Sensory Connection Program. The Sensory Connection Program is an occupational therapy based program grounded in a person-centered, strength oriented, skill building model of care. It uses individual and group treatment, sensory diets, and sensory sensitive environments such as sensory rooms to build sensory strategies.

Implementing Sensory Modulation Strategies in Mental Health Settings

This LiveTalk will discuss the importance of understanding how sensory modulation problems and neuromodulation difficulties are reflected in interventions for individuals with a variety of mental health concerns from children to adulthood and across practice settings.

May-Benson, T., & Schoen, S. Effectiveness of the Integrated Listening System for Children with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. Poster presented at the American Occupational Therapy Association, San Diego, CA, April 25, 2013.

Building a Sensory Toolbox: Sensory Diets, What They Are, and How to Use Them

This webinar will discuss how to build a good sensory diet, covering the core concepts related to structured 'diets' and 'sensory points,' strategies for selecting appropriate activities, and how to implement them effectively.